A Therapy Dog for Emotional Comfort at the Orion School

Since last January Charlie our amazingly chill comfort dog has been part of the Orion School staff. This week he took his test to become an AKC Canine Good Citizen and a Certified Therapy Dog through Therapy Dogs International. The testing was comprehensive and required Charlie to jump through many unusual hoops. The primary objective a therapy dog and his owner have is to provide comfort and companionship by sharing the dog.  

Therapy Dogs International has an extensive list of qualities that define a therapy dog including:

·         A Therapy Dog loves children·         A Therapy Dog wants to visit with people·         A Therapy Dog gets along with other dogs·         A Therapy Dog is well trained·         A Therapy Dog is reliable·         A Therapy Dog is obedient·         A Therapy Dog is patient·         A Therapy Dog is not anxious·         A Therapy Dog is not easily startled·         A Therapy Dog is not a distraction – no matter what is happening·         A Therapy Dog has an outstanding temperament
From the first time Charlie visited Orion, it was clear he was meant to offer a special kind of support to our students. As a private school in Atlanta for students with neurobehavioral conditions, including ADHD, anxiety and Aspergers, the Orion School is committed to clearing a path to educational success. Sometimes we find innovative ways to do this...like with help from a furry friend. Research has shown that this connection increases emotional well-being, promotes healing, and improves the quality of life for people who come in contact with therapy dogs. If a student is having a difficult time Charlie will actually go TO the student and sit patiently in front of them. A typical dog would run FROM a child having a meltdown, but not Charlie who has the intuitive sense to not react to any noise or commotion...no matter what. He is like a wise Yoda offering silent comfort without judgment. 

Of course no one at Orion was surprised that Charlie passed his test with flying colors. We are all thrilled that Charlie’s natural talents are now recognized. We cannot wait until Charlie gets his status as the official therapy dog for the Orion School! If you visit us, he will be recognized as the one with the TDI Bandana, TDI ID Tag, and unconditional love and acceptance to give.